Nearly a decade ago, two young engineers from IIT Bombay set out in their entrepreneurial journey and reimagined one of the most common yet overlooked appliances in Indian households—the ceiling fan. What began as a plain white prototype called the “Gorilla Fan” has today grown into Atomberg, a multi-category consumer brand with a nationwide presence and a reputation for smart, energy-efficient innovation. At Inflexor, we take pride in having spotted this vision early and backing Atomberg as its first institutional investor. For us, Atomberg is more than just an investment—it is a testament to our belief in supporting visionary founders who are redefining industries through technology, IP, and bold execution.
At Inflexor, our investment philosophy is anchored in Science, Engineering & Technology (S.E.T) — backing IP-led innovation that can create durable value. We combine Generalist Breadth with our Thematic Depth. Our decision to back Atomberg was anchored in three foundational tenets of our investment philosophy: Team, Total Addressable Market (TAM), and Technology.
One of the most defining moments in the Atomberg - Inflexor story was when the founders chose Inflexor despite having competing term sheets from larger VC firms. For Manoj and Shibam, the decision was not just about capital—it was about finding a partner who would stand by them through the ups and downs of building a company. Though early in their entrepreneurial journey, they showed remarkable maturity in recognising the importance of Founder–VC fit. They believed in Inflexor’s DNA as entrepreneurs-turned-investors, confident that we would not only understand their challenges but also walk the path alongside them as true partners in the journey.
Before discovering the potential of BLDC motors, Manoj and Shibam had ventured into IoT-based cold storage logistics—an idea that, while innovative, did not take off commercially. Instead of shelving the idea, they quickly absorbed the learnings and repurposed the underlying IP into what would eventually become their breakthrough in consumer durable appliances. This ability to adapt with speed, to recognise early when something isn’t working, and to intelligently reapply insights are all hallmarks of great entrepreneurs. It was also one of the qualities that stood out to us from the very beginning and reinforced our conviction in backing them.
Atomberg’s first product was the “Gorilla Fan”, a simple white ceiling fan with advanced hardware and software tucked inside. It was a smart appliance that was energy-efficient and reliable; it paid for itself within a year, in energy savings. From this single SKU, Atomberg has now grown into a brand with multiple fan categories across price points, ranging from INR 3,000 entry-level models to INR 12,000 super-premium products. Today, the portfolio spans ceiling, wall-mounted, pedestal, exhaust, and table fans. But the evolution didn’t stop there. The founders took Atomberg into new categories such as smart locks, mixer grinders, water purifiers, and cold-press juicers, while staying true to their DNA of tech-led appliances.
Interestingly, Atomberg’s early years were B2B-focused. They supplied fans to clusters in industries like ceramics, the textile industry, and cold storage facilities. But by 2016, the team realised that the real opportunity was in taking the fans to the large consumer market. The consumer play, however, came with its own challenges like high CAC, brand-building costs, and steep competition. Atomberg, however, navigated this smartly through some of their breakthrough strategies for testing the market - including the DSM program (demand-supply management) and direct reach out to large housing societies. By partnering with energy utility companies, Atomberg extended the opportunity for consumers to experience the efficiency of their products directly in the monthly electricity bills. This gave them early visibility with consumers.
The brand then scaled through their first online channel on Amazon and subsequently on other e-commerce platforms, where the proposition of “energy savings + tech innovation” struck a chord with urban households. What started as a niche product quickly became a household name.
Ideas are plentiful, but consistent execution is rare to find. Atomberg’s founders and team have consistently demonstrated this quality time and again, standing apart from many early-stage companies where execution often falters. They have navigated challenges with discipline, frequently surpassing targets that they set for themselves. Their unique blend of a technology-first mindset, operational rigor, and deep consumer insight has been complemented by relentless innovation and sharp market foresight.
It is this powerful combination that gave us the conviction to double down multiple times in their subsequent funding rounds.
Atomberg’s innovation engine has been firing on all cylinders, steadily expanding beyond ceiling fans into a portfolio of smart, energy-efficient home appliances. From mixer grinders to water coolers and other categories in the pipeline, the team has fostered a culture of continuous product innovation anchored in BLDC technology and consumer-centric design. Unlike many companies that struggle to sustain momentum after an initial success, Atomberg has consistently pushed their boundaries.
At Inflexor, we continue to be inspired by Atomberg’s innovation DNA as they embark on what we believe will be a marathon journey of category creation and market leadership. For us, Atomberg is the story of two entrepreneurs who dared to disrupt a decades-old category and, in doing so, built a brand now loved by millions of households. It also reinforces our core belief at Inflexor—that when visionary founders, cutting-edge technology, and a massive market converge, you not only build a great company—you create enduring value.
